LEAD_Certified_Firm_2_-_75.jpgThe EPA’s Lead-Based Paint
Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) Program

Renovating Pre-1978 Homes Will Be Less Hazardous
.   .   .   But Probably A Little Bit More Expensive

Below is a brief summary of the EPA’s Lead-Based Paint Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program, which requires the use of lead-safe work practices during renovations in pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities.

It's The Law! As of April 22, 2010, contractors performing work that disturbs lead-based paint working in homes, apartments, childcare facilities and schools built prior to 1978 must be EPA certified, and follow very specific and rigorous work practices to prevent lead contamination.

Read the EPA's consumer booklet entitled Lead-Safe Certified - Guide To RENOVATE RIGHT

If a building was constructed prior to 1978 and there are no documents in existence regarding the nature of paint in the home, renovators MUST presume lead-based paint is present and adhere to the EPA prescribed safe work practices.

Exception #1: Homeowners Working in Their Own Homes
The RRP rule applies only to renovations performed for compensation. If you work on your own home, the rules do not apply. Even so, EPA encourages homeowners to use lead safe work practices, in order to protect themselves, their families, and the value of their homes.

Exception #2: Minor Maintenance Projects
Minor maintenance projects that disturb no more than 6 square feet of painted surface per room (2’ x 3’) for interiors and no more than 20 square feet of painted surfaces (4’ x 5’) for exteriors are exempt, as long as 1) no work practices prohibited or restricted by this rule are used, 2) the renovation does not involve window replacement and 3) there is no demolition of painted areas.

Buildings Affected
Housing Built Prior To 1978:Housing constructed prior to 1978, except housing for the elderly or persons with disabilities and zero-bedroom dwellings (unless a child is expected to reside there).

Child-Occupied Facilities: Day care, pre-schools, kindergarten classrooms, or other facilities or residences in a building constructed prior to 1978 that are visited regularly by the same child under age 6, on at least two different days within any week, provided that each day’s visit lasts at least 3 hours and the combined weekly visits last at least 6 hours, and the combined annual visits last at least 60 hours.

Typical Occupations Regulated

Remodeling Contractors
Plumbing Contractors
Heating & Air-Conditioning
Painting And Wall Covering
Electrical Contractors
Carpenters & Finish Carpentry
Drywall & Insulation
Tile & Terrazzo Contractors		 Glass & Glazing Contractors
Home Improvement Contractors
Landlords
Apartment Maintenance Staffs
Restoration Companies
Lessors of Residential Buildings
Residential Property Managers
Anyone whose work disturbs painted or varnished surfaces

Work Affected By New Rule
Any work performed for pay, including painting and remodeling, that results in the disturbance of painted surfaces (by sanding, cutting or removal) in pre-1978 homes and child-occupied facilities.

Types Of Actions Renovators Are Required To Take

  • Deliver the EPA information booklet - "Renovate Right" to occupants before beginning work.
  • Place a visible sign defining the work area and warning occupants not to enter it.
  • Isolate/contain the work area so that no visible dust or debris leaves the work area.
    The Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule     requires that the work area be protected by plastic sheeting that extends a minimum of 6 feet in all directions from the location where paint will be disturbed. The Rule further requires that protective plastic sheeting extend far enough from the location of paint disturbance so that all dust or debris generated by the work remains within the area protected by the plastic.
  • Workers should wear disposable protective clothing, hats, gloves, shoe covers, respirators and goggles.
  • Contain, store, and transport renovation waste material safely to prevent release of and access to dust and debris.
  • Not use banned practices on painted surfaces such as using a heat gun above 1100°, using a torch, and using machines such as power sander or plane unless attached to a HEPA vacuum.
  • After completing renovation work, clean the work area until no visible dust, debris or residue remains. HEPA vacuum and double bucket wet mop the area.
  • After cleaning, conduct post-cleaning verification or pass quantitative dust clearance TESTING.
  • After all interior work area passes cleaning verification or dust clearance sampling and all exterior work area passes the visual inspection, remove the warning sign.
  • Maintain records to prove compliance with the rule for a period of three years after the completion of renovation.

For more information regarding the EPA mandated protocols for renovation, repair & painting in pre-1978 buildings,
read the EPA's 36 page publication for contractors entitled Steps To Lead-Safe Renovation Repair & Renovation

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